Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet come and go as they please without having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some knowledge and correct tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you choose the right type of Cat flap in upvc door panel flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this can cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, fitting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard upvc door panel with cat flap fitted panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is important that you only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're installing a cat flap into an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
cat flap glass door installation near me flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. It is also necessary to perform a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, upvc door panels cat flap, or GRP door panel is usually composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.